A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE MAGIC TEST
Nina's brother never stopped pursuing his books. In some ways, that made her feel closer to him than she had since he'd explained why he didn't want to play anymore. At least now she understood.
Nebo had matured since then. He was taller now—still skinny, His bushy tail and short red hair made him look like her, but not as much as before. Nina had let her hair grow longer, and she wasn't catching up to his height. They both had brown eyes, she'd been told, though she could only really see his. They always reminded her of stone—hard, unyielding. She hoped hers were softer. Like soil.
Nina lay in bed, alone. Nebo had left for the day already.
She couldn't remember exactly when he'd stopped trying to force her awake in the mornings, but he had. It felt like losing another piece of him.
She didn't like sleeping in as much anymore. It just made her feel more lonely.
Nina dragged herself out of bed and started her day. Nebo would be off studying somewhere. Her only responsibilities were to sit with the elder and listen to people's problems, or to practice her magic.
She really didn't want to sit and do nothing. The elder was kind—she'd chat with Nina, try to make her feel included. But the constant stream of people coming to bow and seek guidance bothered her. It made her feel like an object, not a person.
And it made the other children keep their distance. They saw her always sitting with the elder, looking important and special. It reinforced that she wasn't like them.
Nina walked past the meal tent and headed for the practice clearing. If she was going to be an elder someday, she should at least be good at the magic everyone kept praising her for. Maybe then the other kids would want to be her friend.
The clearing was empty when she arrived. Sometimes other children came here to practice or play, and occasionally they'd include her. But today she was alone.
Not that it mattered. They avoided her most of the time anyway.
Nina focused on the feeling of earth beneath her feet. When she'd first awakened her magic, she hadn't felt much of anything. But now, when she reached out with her will, the earth responded immediately. Eagerly, even.
It was as if the earth wanted to be part of her.
She wasn't sure she agreed with that. So instead, she focused on something simple: making blocks.
It was fun at first. She stacked them up, made little stairs, skipped along the steps she'd created. The stone didn't fade like she'd expected magic to—it just became normal stone, solid and permanent. That surprised her. When she tried willing it away, though, the stone dissolved like water soaking into earth, as if nothing she'd done had ever existed.
That was interesting. But making blocks, while amazing at first, quickly became... dull.
Once again, she didn't see the appeal of magic.
Nina plopped down in the dirt and started making tiny pebbles, then smashing them into each other like a game. She was so absorbed in her boredom that she didn't notice the shadow falling over her until a voice spoke.
"Whatcha doin'?"
Nina tilted her head up to find Teva's face inches from hers, vivid blue eyes staring with a mischievous smile.
"Making stones. But it's boring."
"Maybe it's the way you're doing it." Teva stood and grinned. "Water is way more fun. Watch!"
She dashed a few steps away, then raised her hands. A spiral of water formed around her body, climbing upward like a living ribbon. It swirled higher and higher until it reached its peak, then came rushing down.
Nina covered her head, not wanting to get soaked.
But Teva just laughed. The water spiral wrapped around her body once more, then faded away completely—not a single drop hitting the ground.
Nina stared, amazed at the control and skill that took.
Still grinning, Teva flicked her hand. A small spray of water splashed Nina's face.
"Hey!" Nina protested, wiping her cheek.
Teva laughed. "Gotta catch me!"
She took off running. Nina scrambled to her feet, but felt clumsy getting up. She willed the earth to help push her upright—
—and went flying forward, slamming face-first into the dirt.
Too much power. She had the earth's attention, but no idea how to control it.
Teva stopped running when she realized Nina wasn't chasing. She turned back and saw her friend sprawled in the dirt. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," Nina mumbled into the ground. "Just embarrassed."
She pushed herself up. Teva was already looking around, checking for witnesses.
"Nobody saw, so you're good." Teva cupped her hands together, and water pooled between her palms. "Here. Wash your face—you've got dirt everywhere."
Nina looked at the offered water, then had an idea. She could feel the dirt now, the same way she felt the earth beneath her. Maybe...
She concentrated and willed the dirt away.
It vanished instantly, dissolving like it had never been there.
"Whoa!" Teva's eyes went wide. "That's a neat trick!"
She let the water fade from her hands—again, not a single drop falling. "Maybe we should practice more before we play around. You know, actually get good at this stuff."
Nina felt something shift inside her. For the first time, she had a reason to care about magic. Not because people praised her for it. Not because she was supposed to be an elder.
Because her friend wanted to practice with her.
"Yeah," Nina said, smiling. "Let's do that."
They spent most of their free time after that working on their magic together.
It was actually fun.
Nebo watched his sister in the distance, near the tent where he preferred to study.
She was practicing earth magic with that catkin girl—Teva. They'd been coming to this area of the plains for daily training sessions. That was fine with him. It gave him more time to study in peace.
He was tired of Nina always pestering him to play. To be a child.
He remembered what their parents had sacrificed to give them a good home. He also knew what the tribe had given freely after their deaths—shelter, food, education, acceptance. He'd overheard adults talking. He knew what happened in other tribes that weren't as generous. Not everyone was cared for the way they were.
The laughter continued to echo from the clearing. Nina and Teva, playing far too carefree versus at least studying magic properly.
Nebo knew, technically, that he was also a child. He hated it.
Just give me real work already...
He was learning, and that had value. He wanted to travel, to see the world beyond the plains. But that was selfish. The tribe had invested in him. He owed them.
"No," he muttered to himself. "I'll do what I'm told."
He wasn't going to be carefree like Nina. He had a purpose.
A shadow fell across his book.
Nebo looked up, startled. The elder stood in the doorway.
She never left her tent. Why was she here?
As she stepped inside, she smiled when she noticed him watching. "I knew you'd be here. As always, studying." She glanced toward the clearing where the children's voices carried. "Wanted to see how you kids were doing."
He flinched at the reminder that he was lumped in with "kids."
"If you mean my sister and her friend, they're fine. Making progress with their magic." He gestured to his book. "As for me, I'm studying. As I should be."
The elder looked around the dim tent. She didn't seem bothered by the gloom he felt, or perhaps she simply didn't notice.
"You know you're not required to do anything, child." She brushed her hand along a wooden support beam, almost absently. "What we want—what I want—is for you children to be free. To choose your own paths. Never forced."
Nebo frowned. He wasn't sure what she was getting at.
"I made my choice," he said firmly. "Nina made hers too."
"For now." The elder's tone was gentle but knowing. "But there may come a time when you choose differently. Or when she does." She met his eyes. "When that happens, I hope you'll still follow her. Protect her. She's more alone than you realize."
"She has the whole tribe." Nebo's frustration leaked into his voice. "You want her to be an elder. How is she alone?"
The elder smiled—a sad, pitying smile that made his jaw tighten.
"When the time comes, if it ever does, just guide her the best you can. Becoming an elder takes time. Sometimes years. Sometimes..." She paused. "Sometimes it doesn't happen at all. And that's fine too."
Nebo stared at her, anger simmering beneath his composure.
Nothing she was saying made sense. She was implying that everything he was working toward—everything Nina was being groomed for—might be for nothing. That Nina might reject it all.
Why was that even an option? She'd been blessed by the gods. She should lead. That was the entire point.
The elder left without saying much more, leaving Nebo alone with his confusion and resentment.
Maybe that's why she rarely left her tent. She didn't know how to talk to people properly.
Nina and Teva burst through the entrance a few minutes later, laughing and out of breath. Nebo had finally managed to refocus on his studies when their noise shattered his concentration.
"What?" His tone was sharper than he intended.
Nina beamed at him. "Let's go eat, brother!"
"I'm busy."
"But—"
"Why do you always try to include me?" Nebo cut her off, frustration boiling over. "You already have a friend. Go bug her."
Nina's ears drooped. She nodded silently and turned to leave.
Teva, however, didn't follow. She stood in the doorway, staring at Nebo with open confusion.
"Why are you so mean to her?" Her voice was accusing. "She just wants to spend time with her brother."
Nebo sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I want to learn. I need to study. While you're all off playing, there's work that needs to be done. I'm trying to work."
Teva glared at him for a long moment, then turned and left.
Finally, Nebo thought. Some peace.
But the question lingered, unwelcome: Why am I the bad guy for trying to be an adult?
YEARS LATER
Nina's brother was an adult now. Or close enough.
He'd gotten everything he wanted. He was taller, with proud upright ears and a regal tail that barely swished unless he was annoyed. Still distant. Always distant.
She'd long since accepted him for who he was. There were moments—rare ones—when Nebo made an effort to show her love and support. But it always felt like duty, not affection. Like checking off a task.
Even after all this time, Nina had never gotten close to the other children.
If anything, the years had only cemented their view of her. She wasn't just different—she was going to be an elder someday. You respected elders. You didn't play with them. Even when the other kids saw her trying to join in their games, their efforts felt awkward and forced. Polite. Nothing like the real fun and adventure she craved.
She wanted a real family. Not this constant duty and distance.
Nina sighed and started walking. She'd visit the elder later, sit and listen to people's troubles like she was supposed to. But for now, she wanted to see her friend.
She made her way toward Teva's tent, planning to surprise her.
But Teva stepped out before Nina could announce herself. She looked sad.
Nina paused, taking in how much Teva had changed. She'd grown into a lovely young woman—at least in Nina's eyes. Her hair was still cut short, still that striking pure white. Her tail had grown longer and sleeker, swishing low behind her. Her ears were lowered, pressed back in what looked like disappointment or worry.
Her slender frame was mostly the same, except... well. Her chest had developed more than Nina's had.
Nina tried not to feel self-conscious about that.
Teva's ears twitched. She noticed Nina staring and gave a sad smile.
"Nice timing. I was about to come see you." Teva's voice was flat.
Nina's stomach dropped. Nothing about this felt nice.
"What's wrong?"
Teva shrugged and stretched, feigning indifference. "My family wants to be closer to my aunt. They hate all the traveling. So we're moving."
"Why?"
"What do you mean, 'why?'" Teva's laugh was bitter. "They're my family."
"But we're friends."
"So?"
The word hit like a slap. Nina stared at her, confused and hurt. Why was Teva acting like this? Distant. Cold. Like Nebo.
Teva scowled. "Don't give me that look. You knew this day was coming. I told you years ago."
"What are you talking about?"
"You were always going to stay here." Teva's voice rose slightly, frustration bleeding through. "I never planned to. Not even as a kid. This was just... passing time. You knew I had family elsewhere. Why are you surprised we're moving closer to them?"
"Why can't I come too?" Even as Nina said it, she knew it wasn't logical. But she didn't want to lose her friend. Her only friend.
"I don't want to carry you, Nina. I'm sorry." Teva's tone softened slightly, but the words still cut. "Besides, you've got a chance to be an elder. Take it. If you follow me, what—I'm supposed to raise you? We're friends, yeah, but I have my own life. Things I want."
"So just like that, it's over?"
Teva sighed. "We can still be friends. Just... remember what I told you years ago? We can't be best friends. I always knew this would happen. It's why I kept some distance." She met Nina's eyes. "You just never noticed."
Nina's chest felt tight. "When are you leaving?"
"Today."
"Today?" Nina's voice cracked. "And you're only telling me now?"
"It's easier this way. Quick. Less pain for both of us."
"Whatever." Nina forced the word out, trying to sound like she didn't care. "I'm glad it ended like this. I'll probably do better with whoever I meet next anyway. Better than you."
Teva said nothing. But her tail swished sharply—once, twice.
Nina wasn't sure what that meant. She didn't care.
There was nothing here for her anyway.
She turned and walked away.
It hurt Teva to lose her best friend. More than she'd expected.
But she'd made her choice. If Nina became an elder, Teva wouldn't be able to decide her own fate anymore. Their lives would diverge too much. Better to end it now, on her terms, than watch their friendship slowly die under the weight of Nina's position.
Maybe it was for the best.
And if not? Maybe they'd work it out later in life.
Or maybe this was just part of growing up. Learning to let people go.
Days passed. Then weeks.
Nina didn't do much. She went through the motions—sat with the elder, listened to people's problems, practiced her magic alone. But inside, she felt hollow.
Finally, she made up her mind. She wouldn't mope anymore. She wanted change. Needed it.
And if she wanted it, she'd have to make it happen herself.
Nina walked to the tent Nebo had been using as his study for years. Time to confront him.
He was writing notes when she entered, his back to her. He glanced over his shoulder, stopped writing, and took a drink from a cup on his desk. Then he set it down carefully and turned to face her.
"Alright. You ready to talk about it?"
Nina blinked, caught off guard. She'd been giving her brother space like he always wanted. How did he know something was wrong?
Was her face really that easy to read?
"Yes, it is." Nebo's expression was calm, almost gentle. "No, I can't read minds. But it's easy to see what you're thinking. Your emotions are all over your face." He paused. "That, and Teva told me you two fought before she left."
Nina felt a flash of betrayal. "She told you?"
"I'm more surprised it took you this long to want to talk about it."
"You wouldn't have listened anyway," Nina muttered.
Nebo sighed. "I know I've always been distant. But it was to grow up, Nina. Not out of malice. Not to hurt you." He met her eyes. "If you need me, I'll listen."
Nothing to lose. Nina took a breath and decided to trust him. If this didn't work, she'd go alone.
"I want to leave."
"Why?"
"I hate it here. I always have."
Nebo's expression didn't change. "Even after everything the tribe gave us?"
"Yes." Nina's voice was firm. "Even more so because of that."
"Explain."
"I'm an object of worship." The words came out bitter. "I sit on a pedestal and listen to everyone else's troubles while nobody—not even my own brother—is actually close to me. I'm lonely, Nebo. And I'm tired of pretending I'm not."
She took a shaky breath. "So I want to go somewhere else. Find... I don't know. Maybe something more. Maybe a place where I can just be Nina."
"And if it fails? If you don't find what you're looking for?"
Nina's jaw tightened. "Then I'll come back. I'll be a good little doll and sit on my pedestal and lead like everyone wants."
Nebo was quiet for a long moment. Then he sighed.
"You're probably the only person in the tribe who sees leadership and power as a burden instead of a blessing."
Nina's ears flattened. Of course he'd judge her for—
"I knew this day would come," Nebo continued, cutting off her defensive response. "In some form or another. So while you were playing, I was studying. Preparing."
Nina stared at him. "Preparing for what?"
"For this. For you wanting to leave." He stood and crossed to a chest in the corner, opening it to reveal stacks of books and scrolls. "I can get us by as a merchant. I've studied trade routes, negotiation, inventory management. And I can sell my knowledge as a tutor—churches and wealthy families pay well for education." He glanced back at her. "Beyond that, we can gather herbs. There's always a market for alchemical ingredients."
Nina's heart stuttered. "You... you planned for us?"
"Of course."
She lunged forward and threw her arms around him, happiness flooding through her chest.
Nebo gently but firmly pulled her off, holding her at arm's length. Still didn't like being touched. Still kept that distance.
It soured her mood a little. But he cared. Even if he didn't like showing it, he cared enough to plan for her future. For their future.
Now that she had time to process, reality crept in. "Would the elder even let us go?"
Nebo laughed.
Nina's eyes widened. He never laughed. She couldn't remember the last time she'd heard him laugh.
"Do you think she doesn't know?" Nebo's smile was wry, almost affectionate. "Why do you think she fed me every scrap of knowledge I could stomach? Taught me trade, mathematics, negotiation, herb lore, survival skills?" He shook his head. "It was so I could take care of you. I just didn't understand that back then."
Nina opened her mouth, but no words came out.
The elder had known. All along. She'd been preparing Nebo to leave with Nina if it came to that. Giving him the tools to protect his sister when she couldn't stay.
"We'll work out the details tomorrow," Nebo said, his tone returning to its usual matter-of-fact cadence. "For now, get some rest."
Nina tried to sleep, but the night was restless. Her mind raced with possibilities, fears, the vast unknown waiting beyond the plains.
Morning came too quickly.
The visit with the elder was surprisingly pleasant.
Nina had braced herself for disappointment, maybe even anger. But the elder simply smiled when they told her, as if she'd been expecting this conversation for years.
"You'll always be welcome here," she said warmly. "And if you choose not to return, you'll still have us as allies. Whatever path you walk, whatever adventure you find—the tribe will remember you."
Nina felt tears spill down her cheeks. "You don't hate me? For leaving?"
The elder reached out and cupped Nina's face gently. "We could never hate you, child. This is just part of growing up. Part of finding who you're meant to be." She brushed away one of Nina's tears with her thumb. "And if you ever do come back, you'll bring real wisdom with you. The kind that can only come from living in the world, not just hearing about it. Worthy of being an elder."
Her eyes shifted to Nebo, standing quietly behind his sister. "Take care of each other."
"Always," Nebo said simply.
The elder nodded, satisfied. "Then go. Find what you're looking for."
The journey was long—far longer than Nina had imagined.
Days passed just reaching the city, and when they finally arrived, Nina could barely process what she was seeing. So many people. So much noise and color and movement. And so few beastkin! It was the complete opposite of the tribes.
For a while, it was an adventure in itself. Exciting. Overwhelming.
They tried settling there, renting a small room in a crowded inn. But everything felt too much—too loud, too fast, too stimulating. Nina couldn't sleep through the constant noise. Nebo couldn't focus with the chaos pressing in from all sides.
After a few days, they packed up and left for the next place.
Crossroads was better.
The town had a decent mix of humans and beastkin—not as overwhelming as the city, but not as insular as the tribes. It seemed beastkin preferred smaller settlements to massive cities. Nina could understand why.
Nebo did minor trades to keep their funds steady. Nina gathered herbs to supplement their income. The work was simple, familiar. The town itself was pleasant enough.
But it didn't feel like home.
Nina was starting to lose hope that anywhere would feel different than before. Maybe she'd carry her loneliness with her no matter where she went.
Then the innkeeper mentioned an offshoot village—smaller, quieter, deeper in the forest. Nina's ears perked up at that. She remembered Teva saying her aunt lived in a village near Crossroads. Could it be the same place?
Maybe she could find Teva again. Apologize. Try to rebuild what they'd lost.
"One more chance," Nina told Nebo. "One last place. If it doesn't work..."
"Then we figure something else out," Nebo finished. "We're not going back yet."
They left Crossroads the next morning, heading deeper into unfamiliar territory.
The village was different immediately.
The biggest change—the one Nina loved most—was all the trees. She'd grown up on open plains where you could see for miles. The city had buildings instead of horizons, crowds pressing in from every side. This felt like a perfect balance: sheltered but not suffocating. Different but not overwhelming.
Nebo offered his services to anyone who would listen. The church welcomed his teaching eagerly—they had children who needed education and few qualified tutors. That was promising.
Nina noticed herbs growing everywhere—scattered through the forest, along the paths, near the village edges. It worried her at first. If they were this abundant, they'd have little value for trade.
But maybe that was fine. Maybe they didn't need to profit from everything.
The village had an inn, but after the claustrophobia of the city, neither of them wanted to be closed in again. They chose to camp in the forest instead, near a lake that reflected the sky like glass.
It felt more like home already.
The village had one major shop that seemed to be the center of trade. They headed there first.
Inside, a young woman stood behind the counter. She had long black hair that fell past her shoulders, and she wore a simple but well-made dress. When she noticed them enter, she looked up with a welcoming smile.
Nina felt an immediate pang of jealousy. That hair color—so rich and dark. She liked it so much more than her own red.
"Hello! How can I help you?"
Nina opened her mouth but no words came out. Nebo stepped forward smoothly.
"We're looking for work. We can gather herbs, handle manual labor, assist with trades. I have extensive education in multiple subjects and my sister is a diligent worker."
The girl nodded slowly, considering. "We could always use more help, but hiring decisions are more my father's area. I mostly handle deliveries and direct sales." She gestured around the shop. "He should be back within the hour. He's meeting with the mayor for drinks."
"I'd be happy to discuss the details with him when he returns." Nebo's tone was professional, confident. "I believe I'd be a valuable asset."
The girl smiled. "I'm sure he'll want to talk with you. Feel free to look around while you wait."
Nebo nodded his thanks and moved off to examine the shelves, already assessing inventory and organization.
Nina stood frozen near the counter, suddenly feeling completely out of place. She started fidgeting with her tail, pulling at the fur, unsure what to do with herself.
"I like your hair."
Nina's head snapped up. The shopkeeper was watching her with genuine warmth, smiling.
"And your tail," she added. "It's really pretty."
"Thanks." Nina felt heat rise to her face. "I brush them both every day. I like your hair too. The color is so nice. I'm jealous, honestly."
"You don't like your red?"
"Not really." Nina deflated a little. "I thought about dyeing it, but I was afraid it would stand out too much. So I just... stayed red."
The girl tilted her head, studying Nina with keen interest. "Maybe it stands out. But I still like red. It suits you."
Nina glanced toward her brother for support, but he was absorbed in examining the shop's organization, completely indifferent to her discomfort.
Why was this so hard? She'd always been bold, forward, unafraid to talk to people. So why did this feel different?
As she thought about it, Nina realized why.
She wanted a friend. A real friend. And she was terrified of losing this chance before it even started—not when this girl seemed so genuine, so kind, so... normal.
"What's your name?" The girl's voice broke through Nina's spiral. "Mine's Leena. Though you can call me Len if you want."
"Nina!" The name burst out too enthusiastically. She pointed at Nebo. "And that's my brother, Nebo!"
Nebo glanced over, gave a curt nod, then returned to the shelves.
Leena laughed, not unkindly. "Well, Nina, can I get you something to drink while you wait? We've got water, tea, some juice my mother made..."
"Um, sure. Whatever you have is fine."
The conversation flowed easily after that. Girl talk, small gossip about the village, questions about where they'd come from. Leena was easy to talk to, genuinely interested, warm in a way that felt effortless.
Nina felt something unfold in her chest. Something that had been clenched tight since Teva left.
This felt like home. Like being back with Teva before everything got complicated and distant.
Maybe this time would be different.
Too soon, the door opened and Leena's father walked in. He was in good spirits, smiling as he entered.
"Len! Everything go well today?" He crossed to the counter and kissed his daughter's forehead before turning toward the back room.
"It was good, Dad." Leena gestured toward Nina and Nebo. "Remember how you've been looking for more help? I think we might have found some."
Her father paused mid-step and turned, noticing the two foxkin for the first time.
Siblings, clearly—matching red hair, similar features, the same careful way of holding themselves. He assessed them quickly, already thinking about how they might fit into his growing operation.
The male stepped forward before he could speak.
"Hello, sir. My name is Nebo. I've been trained in gathering, trade negotiation, and tutoring across multiple subjects." He gestured to Nina. "My sister Nina, while not as skilled, is a diligent worker and knows gathering."
Leena's father raised his eyebrows, impressed. That was quite a skill set—at least from the brother. It made sense why they'd traveled so far if they were that well-educated.
"Well, there's no shortage of work," he said. "The town's growing, and I handle most of the main trade routes. Problem is, I'd like more time with my family." He scratched his jaw thoughtfully. "If I had someone I could trust to handle the longer trips to the city..."
"I've traded with major tribes and in the city before coming here," Nebo said smoothly. "We considered staying in Crossroads, but we knew people in this village. Thought we'd visit and try our luck."
"So you have somewhere to stay, then? That's good."
Nina and Nebo exchanged a glance.
"We know they live here," Nebo admitted. "But we don't have anything official arranged. We only just arrived and have been camping in the forest to save money."
Nina fidgeted with her tail. She was used to camping on the plains, but saying it out loud here made her feel like they were admitting they'd run away. Like they were homeless vagrants instead of travelers.
Leena's father nodded slowly, understanding more than they'd said. "We have space near our house where you could camp. While we work out the job details and you reconnect with your friends."
"That's not necessary," Nebo said quickly. "We're fine camping where we are. We just need steady work for long-term stability."
Nina's ears drooped slightly. Being close to her new friend sounded wonderful. But she didn't want to seem desperate or pushy.
Leena's father studied them both, then nodded. "Alright. Let's meet tomorrow morning and discuss specifics. We'll figure out what works best for everyone."
They exchanged goodbyes—Nebo professional, Nina shy, Leena warm and encouraging.
As they left the shop, Nina glanced back. Leena waved.
Nina waved back, something hopeful fluttering in her chest.
Tomorrow, they'd explore more of the village. Tonight, they'd camp by the lake and plan their future.
For the first time in a long time, Nina felt like things might actually work out.
****
It was a good day.
Well, every day was a good day. Wolf was happy about that. Life was simple in the village, and simple was good.
He had family who loved him, who shared everything with him, who told him stories about the amazing world beyond the trees. Technically, only Dad had traveled outside the village much, but that didn't matter. The stories were still wonderful.
Wolf looked forward to when he'd be older. Old enough to go on adventures himself.
That's what everyone kept telling him whenever he asked why he couldn't join their travels: "You're too young."
How old did he have to be? When would "too young" finally become "old enough"?
Soon, he told himself. Maybe even today!
He knew it was a long shot. But if you asked enough times, people had to give in eventually. That was the rule. Whenever Mom wanted him to do something, she just kept asking until he did it. Same with Leena. So it should work both ways, right?
Not that he minded helping them. There wasn't really any reason not to. It was just... it wasn't the adventure he wanted. The chores were so boring.
Clean up messes. Carry items to the house. Organize things. Check the stock.
The only chore he actually loved—the only one that felt like a real adventure—was gathering herbs. And Leena barely let him help with that. It was the closest he ever got to exploring, and he treasured every moment.
"Mom! Len is late!"
Wolf paced back and forth near the door, unable to stand still. It was getting too late for him to go outside. The day was slipping away.
His mother was cooking in the kitchen. She glanced up, looked out the window, and replied calmly, "She still has time. It's not that late."
"YES IT IS!" Wolf's voice rose in frustration. "She's always home before sunset!"
And the sun was going down right now. He knew what he was talking about.
Mom smirked, then smiled in that way that meant she was about to teach him something. "Perhaps you're right. But do you really want me to punish her?"
Wolf stopped pacing.
The question caught him off guard. He was used to being treated like a child, told what to do. But being given the power to decide his sister's fate? That felt strange. Wrong, somehow.
He was frustrated. Feeling trapped. But did he actually want Leena to be punished?
After thinking for a moment, he finally spoke. "Maybe... give her a little more time?"
"She's probably just bus—" his mom started to say.
"But if I was with her, this wouldn't have happened!" Wolf interrupted.
His mother gave him a look, then sighed. "I'll talk to your father about it. But only if you help me in the kitchen."
Wolf knew this was a distraction tactic. But he also wanted to help—Mom never asked for something without at least trying to help him when he asked. Fair was fair.
He wasn't sure how much time passed after that. His mother was an expert at keeping him busy and distracted with small tasks. Little things that did not take much effort but still his mom inssited she need his help with the task. Then the door burst open.
Leena came in carrying a basket overflowing with laundry. "I brought the washing in! And Mrs. Crow says thank you for the extra food."
Before she could get any farther, Wolf shouted, "You're LATE!"
He rushed into the main room to confront her, trying his best to look intimidating.
Leena smiled when she saw him. She set down the basket and, before Wolf could blink, leena pull his head toward her into a deep embrace and smothered him.
"I missed you too, little brother."
Wolf's face flushed in his sister chest. He squirmed away from her grip, annoyed. "You know that's not what I meant! You always get to go out and play, and I have to stay home unless I'm with you. It's not fair! And when you come home late, I never get to explore at all!"
Leena set him down and crouched to his eye level, her expression turning serious.
"You know I would never leave you behind, Wolf. When I go out and you can't come, it's for work. Not play." She brushed some hair out of his face. "I was watching the shop for Dad today and helping with deliveries. Mrs. Crow had a big order. And while I was there, Coby asked about you. Said he wanted to take you hunting and show you what he's been learning from his father."
Wolf's anger deflated immediately.
His sister hadn't been playing. She'd been working. And she'd brought back a message from Coby—his only real friend outside the family.
"Sorry, Len." Shame crept into his voice. "I wasn't trying to get you in trouble."
Leena smiled and kissed his cheek. "It's okay. Mom knew I might be a little late. Dad had to restock inventory at the shop, and with my delivery to Mrs. Crow, it just took longer than expected."
Wolf wasn't sure what to say to that. Luckily, Leena saved him.
"The basket's a little heavy for me to carry upstairs. Can you put the clothes away while I talk to Mom?"
"Okay."
Wolf was grateful for the task. It gave him something to do besides think about his selfishness.
The basket wasn't actually heavy—just awkward for someone his size to carry. But he'd manage. He always did.
Leena found her mother washing dishes at the kitchen basin. As she approached, her mother spoke first.
"He's getting more impatient every day."
Leena moved to help dry. "I know. He doesn't really understand that when I'm out, I'm working, not playing." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "But I think it would do him good to come with me more often. He could help with small things to feel imporant. And I could help him understand life beyond home."
Her mother frowned, hands stilling in the wash water. She knew Wolf was growing up—he had to eventually. But she didn't want him getting hurt. He was still her child, still sheltered from how rough the world could be. She didn't want him rushing to be an adult before he was ready.
Leena saw the worry on her mother's face and smiled gently. "He's not trying to grow up yet. Not really. He just wants more freedom to play outside, to explore a little. That's all."
Mother gave a sad smile. "The opposite of you, it seems. You never cared much for playing. Always wanted to help, to be useful." She sighed. "I fear you're growing up too fast."
"Mooom," Leena groaned. "I already had my fun as a kid. I want to help now. For me, it's not just work—it's for the family. For Wolf. So he doesn't have to worry about things like I did." She met her mother's eyes. "I don't think it's the same for him. He just doesn't know that yet. That's why I think we should let him come out more. The few times I took him to Mrs. Crow's house, it meant the world to him. Why not let him come to the shop too?"
Her mother considered that. "He's been to the shop plenty of times."
"Yes," Leena said, "when he was little. Once he started knocking over inventory and getting into everything, he stopped coming. I doubt he even remembers it."
Mother thought about that for a long moment. Perhaps they had been keeping Wolf too sheltered for his own good. Children learned best through experience—even through small failures.
She sighed. "Alright. I'll talk to your father. He never seems to mind Wolf being around anyway."334Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3ZDj8H64Q
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